Didn’t Jersey City once have more recreation centers than any other United States city of its size? Right here stands Mary Benson Park a testament to that recreational spirit. This park named for Mary Benson is more than just a green space. It is a place woven into the very fabric of Jersey City’s history.
Mary Benson Park sits just off Newark Avenue. It nestles beneath the Turnpike’s elevated portion. Here it offers a baseball diamond and a basketball court. These facilities are available for all to use.
Who was Mary Benson? She was a well-known benefactor for Jersey City. She was a member of the Jersey City Woman’s Club. Mary was instrumental in establishing the All Saints’ Church in Millington completed in 1906. She also helped secure parkland at Little Italy Park for the city’s children.
Known as the “Grand Old Woman” Mary Benson died in New Jersey in December 1904 at the age of 80. A fountain was unveiled in the park to honor her memory. That park was then renamed Mary Benson Park.
Her commitment to Jersey City was extensive. It included child advocacy. Juvenile justice. Sanitary city conditions. The working conditions of trolley operators. Education. Greenville Hospital. She fought for recreational facilities for impoverished children. The city park and athletic fields she helped create were named for her.
Interestingly Mary Benson’s life had another remarkable chapter. In November 1864 she encountered John Wilkes Booth on a train in New York City. Booth and a companion spoke loudly about their plans to travel to Washington D.C.. Benson and her daughter found an envelope they left behind. The envelope contained letters outlining a plot to assassinate President Lincoln.
Benson turned the letters over to the US Army. They were forwarded to Lincoln. The letters were found in his files after his death. “Assassination” was written on them in Lincoln’s hand. These documents are held in the National Archives.
Called to testify at Booth’s trial a strangulation attempt was made on her life the night before. When she returned home someone shot at her. Benson took her children and sought refuge with relatives in Canada. Two years later she testified at John Surrat’s conspiracy trial. Then she returned to Jersey City. Here she became a leader in social reform.
Mary Benson also impacted Millington New Jersey. She made Millington her permanent home in 1902. Her son Robert and other family members began spending summers there in the 1890s. Her house is near the church and is listed on the National Register.
Bishop Lines was eager to build churches where there was new residential development. Also newly opened transportation. He agreed to meet with Benson and other Millington residents to plan a new church. Mrs. Benson urged a diocesan-wide fund raising effort from the Sunday Schools specifically for the new church.
Mary Benson Park itself has seen changes over the years. Once it was a dumping ground. Now it is a recreation center for the neighborhood. It has baseball fields and a bandstand. Trees and shrubbery now enclose the field. Thousands of people enjoy the park every year. While it has been recently renamed Roberto Clemente Park many still affectionately call it Mary Benson Park.
Mary Benson’s impact resonates through time. Her legacy lives on in the park’s name. It reminds us of her dedication to Jersey City. Her commitment to social reform. And her extraordinary life. Take a moment to appreciate the park and the woman who inspired its creation. Remember Mary Benson’s spirit as you enjoy this green space.